KATHMANDU: Sophia Tamang of Nuwakot has been named the champion of a competitive 16-week IT scholarship program, with Prathana Mishra of Sarlahi securing the first runner-up spot. Both graduates have already secured jobs with Australian tech firm Active IT.

The “System Network Support Job Ready Program”-jointly organized by TechSkills Institute and NepalTube Australia-drew over 2,000 applicants from across Nepal. After a rigorous four-stage selection process, six finalists completed the intensive four-month course at the institute’s Kathmandu center in Dhumbarahi. The scholarship fully covered the AUD 3,300 tuition fee.

Speaking at the award ceremony at the Nepal Police Club, TechSkills Institute founder Biraj Badel stated that the program aims to align with the government’s vision of turning Nepal into an emerging IT hub. NepalTube Australia Editor Saral Gurung added that the initiative represents a meaningful effort by the Nepali diaspora to contribute back to their home country.

The organizers have promised to continue providing similar scholarship opportunities for aspiring Nepali IT professionals in the future.